Gareth Gates has got his skates on for a hectic work schedule taking him from the ice rink to the recording studio.

The Bradford singer is competing in Dancing on Ice, against past winners, and is one fifth of a ‘super group’ for the new series of TV’s The Big Reunion.

And he revealed to the Telegraph & Argus that he plans to open more performing arts academies, following the success of his Bradford school.

In Dancing on Ice, reuniting contestants from previous series, Gareth takes to the ice again tomorrrow with professional partner Brianne Delcourt.

“It’s six years since I was last on the show and I haven’t skated since,” he said. “Last time I had a fear of the unknown, but I’m enjoying it more now. There’s added pressure though because I’m up against past champions.

“I’m more than happy to sing in front of millions of people but with skating I’m out of my comfort zone. There’s a danger element.”

Gareth, 29, is on the ice at 7am each day, before filming for ITV2’s The Big Reunion into the evening.

The show reunites pop bands from the past two decades, including Eternal and A1, and there’s a new group, 5th Story, with the line-up of Gareth, Dane Bowers, Adam Rickitt, Anthony Kavana and Kenzie.

“As a singer, I’ve never had to share a stage before but I’m enjoying the banter. They’re lovely lads,” said Gareth, returning to his pop roots after spending recent years in musical theatre.

After coming second on Pop Idol in 2002, the former East Bowling choirboy sold millions of records, and went on to star in such shows as Legally Blonde and Boogie Nights. Last year he played an acoustic concert at Bingley Arts Centre. “I’ve been doing lots of songwriting and I’m hoping to release a new album,” said Gareth.

His performing arts school Gates Academy is based at Dixons City Academy in Bradford, but classes are open to youngsters districtwide.

“I’m hoping to open academies in places like Halifax, Huddersfield, Wakefield and Leeds,” he said. “As a child in Bradford I would have liked something like that.”

For more information visit garathgatesacademy.com or email gatesacademy@hotmail.com